Posted in Musings, tagged 2013, Blank slate, blessings, empty vase, first day, God, grateful, gratitude, new beginning, New Year on January 1, 2013 | 7 Comments »
A vase. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Thank you God for this first day of 2013, for the rain we need, for all the wonderful people in my life, for being with me as I walk the path of transition and begin working on my goals for this year.
I am grateful for a clean slate to write on, an empty vase to fill. http://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/a-blank-slate-3/
Posted in Whatever, tagged blessings, Christmas, forgiveness, Gift, God, Inspiration, Jesus on December 25, 2012 | 2 Comments »
The greatest gift of all time is God’s gift to us of His son Jesus. Thank you God, and Happy Birthday Jesus.
Now remembering that He was born to give the gift of His life for our sins…that we are forgiven…let us give ourselves and others the GREAT GIFT OF FORGIVENESS. It is “Time for Letting Go” http://amarquette333.wordpress.com/2010/12/20/time-for-letting-go/ and you will be richly blessed.
Posted in Musings, tagged Autumn, dreams, Fall, friends, God, Inspiration, life, September on September 3, 2012 | 10 Comments »
Ah September…the month when we sense the beginning of a new season to come ~Fall, or as I prefer “autumn” :-) In 20 days from now, it begins.
Today after church I went to Starbucks where I met up with friend Judi and her sweet puppy Tammy. We spend a few hours over coffee and chatting about many subjects. Then it was back to the house to do a couple things, freshen up, then pick up friend Barbara and out to a new Brazilian restaurant nearby for dinner and catching up.
Tonight I read some new posts from my blogger friends, some very deeply profound.
Thoughts on Moving On http://gingetz.com/2012/09/01/moving-on/
and, Sweet September http://teeceecounsel.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/sweet-september/
and, a new young writer whose words in two of her posts spoke to my heart, my spirit… My Missing Piece http://anightcreature.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/writing-my-missing-piece/ and Cheerful Delusions http://anightcreature.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/20/
So now, I am stepping along the deep parts of me, remembering times gone by, my own missing pieces, and the acceptance that a lifelong dream although has never come to pass. Somewhere in time along this new path I am on a new dream will come to be ~ God’s BEST for me.
Posted in Musings, Poetry, tagged Child, father, God, Inspiration, Light, Love, Moonlight, path, prayer, spirit, star, The Light on August 18, 2012 | 7 Comments »
Candle Light
Oh God, Our Father, You are The Light
which guides us on our path through
this life…when we let you.
Remind me always to surrender all in my
life to your love and care. I am always
your child, and sometimes I forget.
Whenever I see the flame of a candle, the
sunshine, or moonlight…let them remind me
that you will always light my way.
With each path I have chosen, you have placed
others in my life…like stars in the sky…
to help light my way, through you & to you.
Help me to never forget those who come
into my life, even for a short while, for they
are blessings from You.
Let me never forget, God, that we are all
One in You…that everyone in my life is a part
of me, a part of You. I too, am The Light.
Let me not forget that those who have been
lights in my life may also need my Light to shine
for them.
Thank You, Light of My Life
©March 21, 1999
Posted in Musings, tagged dreams, God, heart, moon, Night sky, peace, quiet, River, stars, walk on August 2, 2012 | 12 Comments »
I leave the world in my room to feel the soft fresh breeze of night, under the stars and in the light of the full moon. I walk the path through the trees and find my way to the water’s edge. There is an almost quiet flow of the river tonight. The reflection of the moon over the water creates a magical, peaceful, reflective mood. There is no one here but me and the night, and the trees whispering sweet nothings to the rippling river flowing by, and the fireflies flicker their messages to each other.
I am at peace with myself, and my thoughts scatter on the wind to flow through the universe. They call to you, to tell you that my heart is waiting patiently for you. They tell you that my arms are lonely for you, that I long to see your face, to hear your voice, to touch you. Yet, though I wish so deeply for you to be here by my side, to share our lives together, I know it will be worth the waiting.
Why is it the good things, happy times, magic moments come and go so quickly and the times in between seem so very long. I thank God for my nature friends to share these times with. What would I do without them.
I will walk a ways along the river’s edge, in the direction the river is flowing and imagine I am one with her, yet floating just barely above her soft cool water. I meld my soul with the river for a time, to understand, to feel. I spend some time this way.
Once back on land and resting against a great oak tree I feel refreshed and renewed. My tree holds me and enjoys the comfort of my peacefulness. I look up at the night sky with the stars twinkling, and watch the moon watching me.
June 22, 1996
Posted in Poetry, PostADay 2011, tagged Blessing, father, Fathers Day, God, Love, Poetry, prayer, unconditional love on June 16, 2012 | 10 Comments »
Smith’s later theology described Jesus and God the Father as two distinct physical beings. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
You loved me
Before I was conceived
You spoke to my mother
As I was about to be killed
While still in her womb
You loved me
And wanted me to live
Until time to go Home to you
You love me
Unconditionally
Even when I sin
And you forgive me
You love me
So much
You help me through tough times
You love me
So joyfully
You bless me
Even though I don’t deserve it
The Boy
Who planted the seed
In the teenage girl’s womb
Never became my father
The Man
Who eventually married her
And adopted me as his
Did his best to be a good father
Neither, the Boy or the Man
Would love me
As only you have
As only you do
As only you can
Thank you
My True Father
My Heavenly Father
For your unconditional love
Your sacrifice for me
Your forgiveness
Your blessings
Dear God
Thank YOU for being my FATHER
And
Happy Father’s Day
Copyright June 4, 2008
Posted in Poetry, tagged God, gratitude, heart, Inspiration, Julie Catherine Vigna, Light, Love, peace, Poetry, soul, spirit on June 10, 2012 | 6 Comments »
This is a beautiful poem filled with heart and love; and written by Julie Catherine Vigna who truly has a gift from God.
Posted in Musings, tagged 2012, AHA moment, blogging, Employment, forgiveness, God, gratitude, Inspiration, Job Hunt, thanks, writing on May 6, 2012 | 14 Comments »
White Tulips by ann marquette
This morning started strange as I woke early from a stressful dream. Thankfully I went back to finish my night in a restful sleep.
As I was enjoying my morning coffee, the A Ha moment arrived. I realized a major shift, or turn on my path of transition, and the path God has been guiding me toward. More like a message that God was telling me I had made a couple good turns in the right direction. It is with much gratitude for His guidance that I am making the transitions.
I have known for a long time that God wants me to write, and there is a special place he wants me to be. I realized a few months ago that there is a part of me needing change before some of that journey can come to pass.
Some of the healing has happened recently. Forgiveness is a huge need in our lives, and doing so will open doors for us we would not have imagined. Forgiving also heals us. In addition to forgiving others, we need to forgive ourselves for any wrongs we have done to others. I’ve asked God to tell me if there is anyone I forgot to forgive. Not hearing anything in that direction, I asked to be shown any wrongs I have done to others, even if they were unintentional. He showed me three. I did apologize, and in the process I grew and changed some more. I have been working most of my life to be a better person, to be the person God wants me to be.
I have been out of a paying job for almost two years. Whenever I would get His message to keep writing, I would smile and say “sounds great, but it doesn’t pay me!” Figuring I needed to find another source of income to supplement another source, I attended many networking meetings, did job searches and applied for jobs. I had interviews and almost joyfully accepted not being offered the jobs. Truthfully, I did not want to get back into the typical corporate world as I’d been in for many years.
Some friends, those not in my position, would “suggest” that I should go out and get any job, no matter what. Other unemployed would hear the same thing. And the constant question “Well, how is the job hunt going?”
Like the majority of unemployed since our economy crashed, we realized this time was a gift. While sharing good news and blessings in our networking sessions, we would tell of opportunities to help family and/or friends in need. Had we been working we would not have been available. We also shared our journey to find that which would not just provide an income, but work that would bring us joy by doing something we love, something we feel good about which would be of value to others, to our world. It was time to also evaluate the kind of culture, working environment we would enjoy, where we would thrive and blossom.
One time I mentioned my dream work environment to someone who is in a rather high-powered job and very “professional” environment and she told me that there is no such place like I described. Actually there are places like that which I know of and heard about.
The staffing agency which has gotten me work before called a couple of weeks ago telling me of a part-time job they thought I might like. I said yes when they asked if they could submit my resume. Shortly after I was invited to interview with the company. A couple of hours after my interview the agency called to say the company wanted me. I started last Monday and it is the kind of environment I have been wanting. It is a small office, but with some staff who work from other locations. They are a great group of people who really care about each other. The culture is more casual and easy going; and it is only one mile from where I live.
Although the job is for some administrative help, they were excited and chose me because I am a writer and have proofreading skills. So, the best part is a chance I may be able to turn the job into doing that which would engage me more in my writing life.
Thank you God for your blessings.
Posted in Musings, tagged 2012, blessings, blogs, God, gratitude, Health, joy, work on April 27, 2012 | 11 Comments »
Tulips in Keukenhof, (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Hearing good news, special blessings in other people’s lives brings me joy. Friend B recently received news from her cardiologist that her heart is beating much better, since the defibrillator was installed. He told her if it is doing as good or better in six months she will be able to stop taking one of her meds.
My friend G received good news that her bank has agreed to reduce her mortgage payment so she is able to keep her house.
Long time friend L had some good news from her doctor.
Past co-worker and friend D quit her job in March. Already she has been a contract job with a company she worked with a couple of years ago.
Missing my dear friend T, she has loved the work she has been doing for the last couple of years, but it was only half days pay. She recently was offered a similar job full-time and more money. So, her current employer counter offered with full-time, significantly more money, 2 weeks paid vacation a year and a big bonus.
Me and my brother closed on the sale of mother’s house in February.
These are just a few examples of God’s blessings since the beginning of this year…most of them just this month.
Posted in Articles, tagged 2012, Alzheimer's disease, Assisted living, death, God, Health, life, mother, remembering mother, sad, Sibling on April 16, 2012 | 8 Comments »
Two years ago today…
I remember the relief when we got the news that Mother quietly left this world, because she was finally able to go home to Jesus as she had wanted for so many years. She suffered long enough.
Looking at last year’s post for remembering her I decided it says what I would say again. **********************
On this morning a year ago, my mother quietly passed from this life into God’s arms. She wanted it so badly for many years.
We had our differences over the years, but although we were never close, we forgave each other the hurts we caused.
It was very sad when we found out she had Alzheimer’s. She didn’t have the best life and my heart-felt so bad for her. I have occasionally thought about writing for her “Mother~You Deserved a Better Life.”
She was the last of eight children…six girls and two boys. All are gone now, including their spouses. I wish I would have thought, many years ago when they were all alive to start asking questions about mother…the things they knew about her. Writing about her would mostly come from my own memories or things I think I remember she told me.
I did know that she gave birth to me out-of-wedlock, and the details were sketchy, until…
The time came when we had to put mother in assisted living. We found a very nice place which looked like a hotel. Her doctor even recommended it, and no that doctor was not assigned to that home. We, my brother and I, made all the arrangements with the home including which room she would be in and had some new furniture delivered there for her.
In conversations with the staff there, and other people we knew who had to put a relative in an Alzheimer’s assisted living facility we knew not to tell mother what was going to happen. The staff at the home said to bring her for lunch and that they would be around to help us when the time came to tell mother she would not be going back home.
God that hurts just writing it. It broke our hearts to have to put her there, but the doctor told us she should have been in about a year sooner.
So we told her we were taking her out to lunch, and since the dining room was on the first floor just like a hotel she would not think anything of it. She did mention a couple of times about all the old people there and so many in wheel chairs; but then immediately forgot about it. We had it arranged that when lunch was over and we were ready, the lady who was going to be mother’s daytime caregiver would come and offer to take us on a “tour.”
Then once we were in “mother’s room” we would tell her the news. I am not going there today.
Anyway, when we finished lunch and dessert we had some coffee and conversation. With Alzheimer’s the memories go, beginning with the most current so gradually they begin remembering older experiences. At one point mother looked at me and said something that I never knew, and my brother had never heard it either. She said “I am so glad I did not have you aborted!” Talk about shock! She told us that she had been raped (another shock) and was how she got pregnant with me. She said two of her siblings (she could not remember which ones) told her she should have an abortion. Apparently she had agreed. When they took her to have it done, as she was about to walk through the door to the room she decided she could not go through with it. So, she gave birth to me and kept me. It was not an easy life for her. And then she ended up having to go through this horrible illness and be in assisted living for four years.
You deserved a better life mother, but I know you now have the best life.
